Known to be the largest tea producing region of Japan, Shizuoka is also one of the country’s most beautiful tea-growing areas, framed by the towering peak of Mt Fuji. The region is climatically perfect for tea cultivation, with fresh water, sun, heavy mists and nutrient-rich volcanic soil. It’s also home to Shimizu, one of the oldest plantations in the prefecture, famous for its ancient traditions and top-class tea. The tea produced here is known as ‘brown rice tea’ – it’s actually a combination Japanese Green Tea and roasted rice, which lends the tea its unique flavour.